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Churchill

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Churchill

By: Roy Jenkins
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Summary

 Winston Churchill is an icon of modern history, but even though he was at the forefront of the political scene for almost 60 years, he might be remembered only as a minor player in the drama of British government had it not been for World War II. In this magisterial book, Roy Jenkins' unparalleled command of the political history of Britain and his own high-level government experience combine in a narrative account of Churchill's astounding career that is unmatched in its shrewd insights, its unforgettable anecdotes, the clarity of its overarching themes, and the author's nuanced appreciation of his extraordinary subject.

From a very young age, Churchill believed he was destined to play a great role in the life of his nation, and he determined to prepare himself. Jenkins shows in fascinating detail how Churchill educated himself for greatness, how he worked out his livelihood (writing) as well as his professional life (politics), how he situated himself at every major site or moment in British imperial and governmental life. His parliamentary career was like no other - with its changes of allegiance (from the Conservative to the Liberal and back to the Conservative Party), its troughs and humiliations, its triumphs and peaks - and for decades, especially the crisis years of the late 1930s and the terrifying 1940s, when at last it was clear how vital Churchill was to the very survival of Britain. He evaluates Churchill's other accomplishments, his writings, with equal authority.

Exceptional in its breadth of knowledge and distinguished by its stylish wit and penetrating intelligence, this is one of the finest political biographies of our time.

©2001 Roy Jenkins (P)2002 Blackstone Audiobooks 20th Century Europe Great Britain Military Modern Political Science Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State World Winston Churchill Royalty Imperialism War United Kingdom England Thought-Provoking Inspiring Soviet Union Russia Socialism Middle Ages British Empire Latin American Africa Interwar Period
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Critic reviews

"A first-class, well-sustained work of history and a masterpiece of biography." ( The Sunday Telegraph)
"This is far and away Churchill's best one-volume biography." (Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.)
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As a single book description of Churchill's life, this is an excellent biography. As a politician himself, Roy Jenkins analysis of Churchill is inciteful and always interesting.

This is a biography that will allow you to better understand one of the 20th Century's most important leaders.

Iain Macleod

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A brilliant reading of an excellent and authoritative biography. Churchill's wit and humour shines through the whole incredible story of the man and Jenkins uses extensive research to bring home the merits (and faults) of 'the finest Prime Minister of the 20th Century.'
A fine reading as well, and even an appropriate and accurate impersonation of the great man. Enjoyed it immensely

Excellent

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A great insight to one of the most distinguised figures of the 20th century. A true understanding of the ruling classes and thier insight of how the world should be. Without Churchill leading from the front the course of history would most certainly have been different. No matter what you previously thought of the man this book will give you a much deeper insight.

Churchill (Unabridged)

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A delight from start to end. Well read, well written, a classic. Thank you in absentia Roy Jenkins. And thank you Simon Vance. Loved it.

What a wonderful book

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the performance was excellent. the book itself is a largely political biography which for me left lots of open questions. that said Roy Jenkins is clearly a confident and personable historian and writer. recommended for sure!

Good political bio

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